Mohamed Salah scored a brace while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson also found the net as Liverpool beat Southampton 4-0 on Saturday.

Liverpool had to weather an early storm from Southampton who made a strong start to the game, while they had a few chances of their own, but the first half remained goalless. However, the Reds did not take long to get going after the break as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain thumped home in the 47th minute against his former club.

Mohamed Salah scored soon after, but it was ruled out by VAR. Liverpool, though, doubled their lead on the hour mark as captain Jordan Henderson drilled the ball into the net after being set up by Roberto Firmino. Salah then made it 3-0 from close range ten minutes later, before getting his second in stoppage time with a deflected effort to complete a resounding victory.

The win meant Liverpool have now opened up a 22-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. And here’s how we rated the performances of Jurgen Klopp’s men against Southampton on Saturday.

Alisson Becker: 8/10

The Brazilian was strong and solid in goal, making a few quality saves even as former Liverpool man Danny Ings tried his best to score on his return to Anfield, while denying Moussa Djenepo and Shane Long as well. Continued good work after the break as well.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6/10

A rather quiet performance from the England international, who wasn’t able to have the same sort of effect going forward that he usually has. There were some misplaced passes in the first half, but improved post half-time and was involved in the lead-up to the second goal. Was troubled on occasions by Nathan Redmond.

Joe Gomez: 6/10

Started off well, but struggled as half-time approached. Caught out by Ings in a dangerous area, leading to a chance, but Alisson came to his rescue. Soon after, a poor header fell to Long and had to be rescued by Alisson once again. Much more improved after the break though, as he looked composed and solid.

Virgil van Dijk: 8/10

van Dijk was solid (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
van Dijk was solid (Photo by Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

Stood tall against the early storm that Southampton worked up and defended strongly, although there were a couple of nervy moments here and there. Read the danger brilliantly and his positioning was spot on all throughout. Had a chance, but his backheeled effort was saved by Alex McCarthy.

Andrew Robertson: 7/10

Caused a lot of nerves with a poor backpass early on. Recovered strongly though and used his pace very well to keep a watch on the dangerous Djenepo. Offered an outlet moving forward and played in some nice passes. Another energetic performance from the Scottish international.

Jordan Henderson: 8/10

Captain Fantastic (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Captain Fantastic (Photo by Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

Moved into a slightly advanced role, which enabled the Liverpool skipper to be more involved in the attacking side of things. Tried to get the tempo up in the first period with his team finding it difficult against the energetic Saints and was the driving force behind Liverpool’s turnaround after the break.

Took his goal brilliantly to make it 2-0 and then set Salah up for Liverpool’s third with a fine pass. Taken off to a standing ovation.

Fabinho: 7/10

Back into the starting lineup, the Brazilian showed what he brings to the table with two crunching tackles early in the game. Seemed to fade a little as the first half progressed, but was back to his commanding self after the break. Does the dirty work in the middle effectively, allowing the likes of Henderson to have an impact in attack.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 5.5/10

It was tough going for the Dutchman on Saturday, who struggled in the first half, misplacing almost half his passes. Had a chance in the first period, but couldn’t take it. Found himself in a good position soon after, but chose to pass when he could have taken a shot. Improved after the break, but it was an average display from Wijnaldum.

Mohamed Salah: 9/10

Salah took his PL goal tally to 14 for the season (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Salah took his Premier League goal tally to 14 for the season (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Did not get into the game early on, despite posing a threat with his pace and movement. But, was at his best in the second period. Had a goal ruled out by VAR, before eventually finding the net with a brilliant finish. Found himself in the right place at the right time to make it 4-0. Created a great chance for Takumi Minamino in between and oozed class with everything he did.

Roberto Firmino: 9/10

Hardly involved in the opening exchanges, but the Brazilian burst into life after the break. Set up the opening goal for Oxlade-Chamberlain with a simple pass and then got the assist for Liverpool’s second and fourth goals as well. Showed excellent link-up play, while working hard off the ball as well. Had a penalty shout turned down.

A hat-trick of assists for Firmino (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
A hat-trick of assists for Firmino (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7.5/10

Starting on the left flank, the Englishman did not offer the same incision and cutting edge as Sadio Mane, but did his bit for the team after a rather quiet first half against his boyhood club. Got Liverpool off the mark with a well-hit strike early in the second period. Was industrious and hard-working before being taken off.

Substitutes

Naby Keita: 7/10

Came on for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 73rd minute. Showed good vision to create an opportunity for Firmino, but missed a great chance to score.

Takumi Minamino: N/A

Replaced Wijnaldum with ten minutes left. Had a chance to open his goalscoring account for his new club, but missed.

Adam Lallana: N/A

Late substitute against his former club.

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